Disability is an issue that affects the lives of many people daily. People are not alone in their struggles and can turn to insurance to help from state to state.
There is a wide variety of disabilities that can affect people of all ages. Knowing the leading cause of disability in the United States is key to protecting your health. You will know you are in good hands if you have to undergo surgery or another disability-inducing moment.
So what is the leading cause of disability in the US? Read on to learn more about the leading cause of disability and the struggles that the United States face regarding disability in the population.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These conditions can cause various symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and a significant cause of disability. It can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities and reduce their quality of life.
To reduce this risk and learn how to prevent a stroke, it is vital to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and not smoking. By taking these steps, you can help protect your heart health and reduce your risk of disability caused by heart disease or stroke.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term disease in which the body can’t control how much sugar is in the blood properly. This causes blood sugar levels to increase, damaging organs and tissues over time. Diabetes can lead to several problems, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, problems with vision, and heart disease.
Diabetes is a major cause of disability in the US because it can make it hard to move around and do daily tasks. Diabetes is more likely to happen if you are overweight, don’t exercise much, eat poorly, or have a family history of the disease.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a major cause of disability in the US, particularly among older adults. Risk factors for arthritis include age, obesity, joint injuries, and family history. Arthritis is a type of joint disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, which can lead to a significant impact on daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and carrying objects.
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases caused by abnormal cells that grow and spread without being stopped. Cancer can affect any part of the body and cause pain, tiredness, and weakness, among other things.
Cancer is a leading cause of disability in the US because it can make it hard to do daily tasks and lower a person’s quality of life. Age, family history, exposure to tobacco and radiation, and a weak immune system are all things that can make you more likely to get cancer.
Combat the Leading Cause of Disability in the US
The leading cause of disability in US patients is physical and mental health conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. Fortunately, technological advances, diagnosis, and treatment options make managing or recovering from many of these conditions possible.
For more information on the types of disabilities and how preventing disabilities can be achieved, reach out to your primary care physician.